Dispersed camping near Gruetli-Laager, Tennessee ranges from 900 to 2,100 feet in elevation across the region's various state forests and wildlife management areas. The Cumberland Plateau's sandstone geology creates unique camping conditions with seasonal restrictions affecting many sites. Winter closures from December through March impact accessibility at several popular dispersed camping areas.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: Explore the trail to Blowing Wind Falls from Davis Pond campground in Prentice Cooper State Forest Dispersed. "We ran a bunch of the trails - enjoyed the views - wonderful spot," notes Sarah N., who recommends backpacking rather than staying at established camping areas.
Fishing for bass: Cast a line at Davis Pond for largemouth bass. According to one camper who visited in May, "Caught 4 largemouth bass in about 15 minutes of fishing on the pond, largest being about a 1lb." The small pond provides reliable fishing opportunities during warmer months.
Swimming in natural pools: Visit Blue Hole Dispersed in Crockford-Pigeon Mountain WMA for natural swimming. "The spring looked amazing," reports one visitor, though they caution that camping areas fill quickly during peak seasons. Another camper adds, "It has a blue hole and caves," making it worth the trip despite primitive conditions.
Cave exploration: Access nearby cave systems from dispersed camping areas. At Tennessee Wall Camp, you'll find "sites with fire pits scattered throughout a small clearing" with "plenty of firewood to collect on site," providing a base camp for exploring nearby geological features.
What campers like
Seasonal solitude: Winter and early spring camping offers more privacy. "We went during a relatively chilly weekend in early April and had no trouble finding a spot. It was quiet, private, and beautiful," writes a camper at Jackson Island Dispersed Campground. Another adds, "Beautiful spot, early-mid April plenty of room & privacy."
Wildlife viewing: Animal sightings are common but require caution. At Walls of Jericho, campers should "have an emergency system in place" due to remote location and wildlife encounters. Ticks are prevalent in warmer months, with one camper reporting "got in with 4 ticks on me" during a brief stop.
Free camping access: Most dispersed sites near Gruetli-Laager cost nothing. At Prentice Cooper State Forest Camp, visitors appreciate that "this is a great FREE spot right outside the hunters entrance." Similarly, Blue Hole Dispersed offers "free" camping where "if you like dispersed camping you'll probably enjoy it."
Waterfront sites: Many campers value direct water access. Jackson Island offers sites where you can camp "right on the bank" with "concrete pads at most sites" and a "glorious view." One camper reports, "Husband caught a bass & dogs enjoyed the shallow edge of the lake at our site."
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Many areas close during winter months. "This is a beautiful WMA area with tons of offshoots along a service road for camping, but please note, 99% of areas are closed between December and March," cautions a Prentice Cooper visitor who "had to turn around and find somewhere else to camp for the night."
Unexpected noise: Camping areas may not be as secluded as expected. A recent camper at Prentice Cooper noted, "Night time is great but gunshots started at 6:30 at a nearby gun range and dirt bikes started hitting the roads not much later." Another mentions, "There's some good spots in the backcountry if you can find them, but be prepared to search quite a bit."
Security concerns: Unattended items may not be safe at some locations. A Jackson Island camper reports, "Left to go on a hike & came back to our chairs & wood being stolen." Another visitor describes the area as having "vagrants mostly" and warns "you wouldn't be able to leave your site unattended if you want to keep your stuff."
Gate restrictions: Some areas have specific entry and exit rules. At Davis Pond, "you have to be there before dark, and there is not access for vehicles to get into the campground." Another camper confirms, "If you want to stay here you have to be there before dark as they close the gates at dark."
Tips for camping with families
Choose busier campgrounds: For family safety, select more populated areas. Walls of Jericho - Trailhead Campsite offers "level and large enough to accommodate many tents" sites that are "a short walk from the parking lot." This provides easier access with children while still enjoying nature.
Bring all water needs: No potable water exists at most sites. One camper advises that Blue Hole has "no electricity or running water but the camp sites are pretty good." Pack enough drinking water for your entire stay, especially during hot summer months.
Plan for no facilities: Toilet facilities are typically absent or unusable. "DO NOT even think of entering the 'restroom' at Davis Pond. They really should demolish it. Completely disgusting," warns one camper. Bring portable toilet options for children and teach proper leave-no-trace practices.
Consider seasonal timing: Fall provides beautiful scenery with fewer crowds. A Jackson Island visitor reports, "We arrived on Oct 30 to find several spaces available" and enjoyed "beautiful place, peaceful this time of year" with "autumn leaves" creating a scenic experience for families.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV access: Most dispersed sites accommodate small trailers only. At Prentice Cooper State Forest Camp, "there are about 12 spots and it wasn't crowded when we came on a Saturday" but conditions can be "a bit muddy." One camper successfully used a 21-foot pop-up camper at Blue Hole Dispersed.
Generator considerations: Check local rules before using power equipment. A Blue Hole visitor reports staying "with our generator" without issues, but noise restrictions may apply during certain hours at different locations.
Pack-in/pack-out required: No dump facilities exist at dispersed sites. Jackson Island has "dumpster on site so please use it" but lacks other amenities. One camper urges others to "pack out what you pack in" as "some trash obvious yet cleaner now than past reviews."
Handicap access options: Blue Hole offers limited accessible sites. According to a camper, they "have a handicap access area for RVs to do disperse camping also an parking for the bluehole," making it one of the few dispersed options with any accessibility considerations.
